Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Caramel Panna Cotta is a dessert lover’s dream. The creamy, silky texture of the panna cotta pairs beautifully with the deep, rich flavor of the salted caramel sauce. The balance between the sweetness of the caramel and the slight saltiness creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and can be made in advance, saving you time when entertaining.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
Heat the cream and milk: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the gelatin: Once the cream mixture is simmering, remove it from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
Add vanilla and caramel: Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until well combined.
Set the panna cotta: Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or molds. Allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating.
Chill: Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Finish with salted caramel: Before serving, drizzle the panna cotta with a generous amount of salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, depending on the size of your serving glasses.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours minimum
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Panna Cotta: Add melted chocolate to the cream mixture for a chocolate version of panna cotta. The chocolate pairs beautifully with salted caramel.
Vanilla Bean: For a more intense vanilla flavor, use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. Scrape the seeds from the bean and add it to the cream and milk mixture.
Fruit Topping: Instead of caramel, top the panna cotta with a fruit compote, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a fresh, fruity twist.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover panna cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Panna cotta is best enjoyed chilled. However, if you need to reheat, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to help return the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Salted Caramel Panna Cotta in advance?

Yes! This dessert actually improves with time. Make it the day before your event and allow it to chill overnight for the best results.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to use a high-quality one for the best flavor.

3. How long does panna cotta need to chill?

Panna cotta should be chilled for at least 4 hours, but if possible, let it set overnight for the best texture and flavor.

4. What can I use instead of gelatin?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you can use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Follow the instructions on the agar-agar package for the correct ratio.

5. Can I make Salted Caramel Panna Cotta without dairy?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

6. How can I make homemade caramel sauce?

To make homemade salted caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it turns golden, slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (be careful as it may bubble up). Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, then allow it to cool before drizzling over the panna cotta.

7. Can I use a different type of salt?

Yes, feel free to use any coarse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for the salted topping. Just be mindful of the saltiness, as some salts are stronger than others.

8. Can I make this recipe in individual serving cups?

Definitely! This recipe works great in individual serving glasses or small ramekins, allowing each person to enjoy their own portion.

9. Why isn’t my panna cotta setting properly?

If your panna cotta isn’t setting, it’s possible that the gelatin wasn’t dissolved properly. Make sure to dissolve the gelatin fully in warm liquid and allow it to bloom for the recommended time.

10. Can I use a flavored caramel sauce?

Yes! You can experiment with flavored caramel sauces, such as vanilla or spiced caramel, for a unique twist on this dessert.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Panna Cotta is a simple yet decadent dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The velvety texture of the panna cotta combined with the deep flavor of salted caramel creates a balanced and delightful dessert experience. Whether served as a standalone treat or paired with a fruit topping, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Perfect for any occasion, this is one dessert that will never go out of style!